Emirates Colombo Classic will prop up golf

By Jatila KARAVITA

GOLF: Emirates, one of the corporate, world's most active supporters of international sport, is to extend its commitment to Sri Lanka, with the launch of the inaugural Emirates Colombo Classic amateur golf tourney scheduled to tee off on Feb 28 (Saturday) at the Royal Colombo Gold Club (RCGC).

The tournament which is the first of its kind to be held in Sri Lanka, will be open up to 200 golfers drawn from the members of the 130-year-old club and invited members of Skywards, Emirates award-winning frequent flyer programme.

These details were revealed to the press at a news briefing convened by officials of Emirates Airline and RCGC held at the RCGC last Wednesday (Feb 11).

Chandana de Silva, Emirates' Area Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, told reporters that Emirates supports one of the most dynamic and exciting events on the international golf calendar - the Dubai Desert Classic, and they are delighted to introduce a similar version of this event to Sri Lanka for the benefit of local golfers and fans.

He added that the upcoming event would provide an invaluable opportunity for his airline to interest socially with an important segment of its customers, in a setting that would he hugely enjoyable and rewarding to players and hosts alike.

The tournament is to be conducted in Stableford format in five handicap groups, Group `A' (0-9), Group `B' (10-18), Group `C' (19-28), Ladies (0-24) and Senior (0-28).

Four-ball tee-off (three men and one lady per flight) will commence at 6.15 a.m. with the final tee-off scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Feb 28.

Emirates are to present 14 handsome trophies to the winner and two runners-up in each of the Groups A, B, C and Ladies and award two trophies to the winner and runner-up in the Seniors category.

Additionally, each participant golfer will receive a branded T-shirt and cap while Skywards Gold members who compete will win high quality golf bags from the Dubai-based airline.

Devika Ellepola, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka said the airline plans to use this forthcoming tournament to promote greater awareness of the convenience and benefits of booking with Emirates on-line among members of the RCGC.

Tissa Jayasinghe, Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club was confident the event will provide exciting competition for their members and guests. He added that the tournament will be open to all members of the men and ladies sections of the club with a valid handicap, excluding student members.